Orencia (abatacept)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, or insured but medication is not covered, or Medicare Part D patients who meet financial criteria and lack coverage.
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address in the United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Income thresholds are calculated at 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level for specialty biologics like Orencia.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# How to Get Orencia (Abatacept) for Free or at Low Cost Through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
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Who Qualifies for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation?
If you have been prescribed Orencia (abatacept) and cannot afford it, you may be able to receive it at no cost through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF). This program is designed specifically for patients who need financial help paying for their Bristol Myers Squibb medications, including Orencia. If you are a single-person household, you may qualify if your annual income is $75,300 or less. In terms of insurance, you may be eligible whether you are uninsured, have insurance that does not cover Orencia, or are enrolled in Medicare Part D and meet the financial criteria. RX Advantages can help you understand whether this program is the right fit for your situation.
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About Orencia (Abatacept)
Orencia (abatacept) is a prescription biologic medication manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb. It belongs to a drug class called selective T-cell costimulation modulators. Orencia is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in certain patients. It is also used for the prophylaxis of acute graft-versus-host disease following certain stem cell transplants. As a specialty biologic, Orencia carries a very high list price — often thousands of dollars per month — making it out of reach for many patients without insurance coverage or financial assistance. The BMSPAF program exists to help bridge that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BMSPAF uses income thresholds set at 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level for specialty biologics like Orencia. The income limits based on household size are:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. The program looks at your total household income, not just your personal earnings, so be prepared to document income from all members of your household.
If your income is slightly above these limits, it is still worth contacting the foundation directly at (800) 736-0003, as program administrators may consider individual circumstances. If you clearly do not qualify based on income, the final section of this guide covers alternative options that may still help you lower your costs.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a key role in determining how the BMSPAF can help you. Here is how the program typically works based on your coverage situation:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Orencia through the BMSPAF:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: a completed application form signed by both you and your prescriber, proof of income (most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and copies of any insurance cards you currently have.
2. Get the application form. Download it directly from the program website at https://www.bmspaf.org/ or call (800) 736-0003 to request a form by mail.
3. Have your doctor complete their section. Your prescriber must sign the application. Many offices are familiar with this process, so ask your rheumatologist or treating physician to fill out their portion promptly.
4. Choose how to submit your application. You have multiple options:
- Online: Submit through the patient portal at https://www.bmspaf.org/
- By fax: Send your completed application and documents to (888) 776-2370
- By phone: Call (800) 736-0003 for guided assistance
5. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after your complete application is received.
6. Respond to any follow-up requests. The foundation may contact you or your doctor for additional information. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is submitted in full, expect a decision within 7 to 10 business days. You and your prescriber will be notified of the outcome. If approved, Orencia may be delivered either directly to your home or to your prescriber's office, depending on the arrangement made during the approval process. If delivery goes to your doctor's office, they will coordinate administration with you. You do not typically need to take any additional steps at pickup beyond your normal appointment.
Approval through the BMSPAF is not permanent. You will need to reauthorize your enrollment annually. Watch for renewal notices and gather updated income documentation ahead of your renewal date to avoid a gap in your medication supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the BMSPAF eligibility requirements, there are still options to explore:
1. Biosimilars: As of the publication of this guide, there are no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Orencia currently available in the United States. This may change in the future, so ask your doctor to stay updated.
2. Orencia Co-Pay Savings Card: If you have commercial insurance, you may qualify for the Orencia co-pay card, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy. Learn more and enroll at https://www.orencia.com/patient/co-pay-card. Note that this card is not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states operate their own prescription assistance programs, especially for Medicare enrollees. Check with your state health department or Medicare plan to see what is available in your area.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free database at https://www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, co-pay assistance options, and disease-specific funds that may help cover Orencia or related care costs.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Bristol Myers Squibb. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html](https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Bristol Myers Squibb offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Yes. Unlike some patient assistance programs, the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation does allow Medicare Part D enrollees to apply, as long as you meet the financial eligibility criteria and your Part D plan does not provide adequate coverage for Orencia. Call (800) 736-0003 to confirm your specific situation before applying.
After the foundation receives your complete application — including all required documents and your prescriber's signature — processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, delivery is arranged either to your home or your doctor's office. Plan ahead so you do not run out of medication while waiting for a decision.
You will need to provide proof of your household income. Accepted documents typically include your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income situation is unusual — for example, if you are self-employed or retired — call (800) 736-0003 to ask what documentation is appropriate for your case.
Yes. The BMSPAF requires annual reauthorization to continue receiving Orencia through the program. You will need to submit updated income documentation and have your prescriber re-sign the application. Watch for renewal notices from the foundation and start the process early to avoid any gap in your supply.
If your income exceeds the BMSPAF thresholds, you may still have options. If you have commercial insurance, the Orencia co-pay savings card at https://www.orencia.com/patient/co-pay-card may lower your costs. You can also search NeedyMeds.org for other assistance programs. Your state may also offer a pharmaceutical assistance program. A patient advocate at RX Advantages can help you identify the best path forward.
Ready to Apply for Orencia Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month